Induction of Anti-DNA antibodies in preautoimmune NZB x NZW F1 mice by immunization with a DNA-DNase I complex

Recent studies suggest that anti-DNA antibodies may arise from the immune r esponse to a complex of DNA and a DNA-binding protein. One of the protein t argets frequently recognized by anti-DNA antibodies is the enzyme DNase I. To investigate the possible role of DNase I in the induction of anti-DNA an tibodies, we immunized preautoimmune NZBxNZW F1 mice with a complex of DNA and DNase I emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. Control mice received DNA or DNase in adjuvant. IgG anti-dsDNA antibodies were induced in 50% of the mice immunized with DNA-DNase, in 25% of the mice immunized with DNase and in 6% of the mice immunized with DNA. However, immunized mice that pro duced anti-DNA antibodies did not develop renal disease. These data show th at a DNA-binding protein like DNase may act as carrier in the immune respon se that leads to anti-DNA antibodies production in an autoimmune strain, bu t the induced anti-dsDNA antibodies have a low pathogenic potential. (C) 20 00 Academic Press.